The internet offers freelance graphic designers the opportunity to find potential clients from almost anywhere, making it easy for them to start, but it also intensifies competition because access is easier. This means that graphic creative designers who want to stand out from the crowd need to be prepared. Below are some guidelines for getting started and the requirements to become a freelance graphic designer:
1. Let’s get started! -Speed up your energy, don’t plan long, but put your to-do list into action right away. Thought is important, but action will give you new ideas and will give you a sense of accomplishment and vitality so that you can keep up with your strategy.
2. Check the flow or source of your money – a freelance graphic designer does not guarantee immediate income, or they may not even have projects for several months, so you need to plan for this. In addition, to get started you need to invest in a laptop or computer, internet connection and other equipment.
3. Know your talents or only use designs that you are really interested in and think you will do well in the field (eg logo design, cartoon illustration). In the short term you may be persuaded to accept tasks that are not your strengths or that you are not good at but will bring you income, but in the long term this project will give you the hardest time, and the worst is that you may be Reporting to clients for not meeting their deadlines is mainly because it is difficult to do tasks that you actually don’t like to do. Saying ‘no’ in some situations saves you trouble and wastes a lot of time and energy.
4. Create Your Portfolio – Create a web-based portfolio to showcase your capabilities, using blogging platforms such as Blogger.com or WordPress.com. These are free. But you can use several other platforms.
You can start recruiting potential clients from Odesk, Freelancer, Elance or other virtual job providers. In this way you achieve several goals: get used to dealing with clients, earn money, build your investment portfolio and develop your proof of trustworthiness or positive feedback from completely satisfied clients. For those who have no design experience, you can consider the design favors of your family or friends or the local community. They need some creative works such as banner designs, invitations, which you can build your portfolio or just create your own. The design is based on the target service you want to provide
5. Acquiring Clients or Marketing Your Services – The most important thing in freelancing is to have a steady stream of clients, whether they are repeat or new clients, which will of course determine your income and success. Customers or customers are of course the core of your business. Graphic designers just starting out will be surprised to know that it is not only your responsibility to ensure that you can design, but also to retain or acquire new customers.
6. Customer maintenance or management scheduling to communicate with one or more of your customers is very important, especially in online transactions. Here are some valuable ideas to consider:
A kind of. Don’t underestimate yourself – be sure to evaluate the fees they charge for your particular niche based on the details of your client’s project. Many customers are concerned, even if your costs are low, they even doubt whether you can do what they ask.
Design a simple system: in terms of payment, research presentation and how they get the final result of the design
C. Before starting a project, a certain amount of deposit is required at any time.
d. Write instructions or agreements – write a contract or have written proof of the customer guidelines and the terms you agree to
E. The customer is not always correct, just polite and explain your part carefully. In some cases, if they choose not to listen to you, at least you can tell them directly about the downsides, and if they do, they won’t blame you.
F. Provide good/quality customer service. Always respond with respect. If they’re angry, even if it’s their fault or yours, don’t try to refute it right away and keep quiet so you can think about the right thing to do.
7. Arrange your office and equipment – if you work in a home office, you should distinguish your home or office, or set up a special workplace to avoid interference. But first, if you don’t have enough money, please do. If you have a computer or laptop, a high-speed internet connection, graphic design software (photoshop, illustration…)
Your freelance, health and social life. In my opinion work doesn’t seem to stop, but it will certainly only affect the value of your work and your overall health. Plan your goals for the week, including client deadlines, marketing, and allocate time for your training and other social activities that are sure to inspire your creativity.
9. Improve efficiency – A simple to-do list will help a lot, so bring it with you. This is also to ensure that you are ready before the deadline. Remember, if they are more satisfied with your work, happy customers will come back. One of the considerations is the deadline you set. Don’t use social media or email to distract yourself.
10. Enjoy what you do – it will be hard, but as long as you know that this is what you really want to do and at the same time get benefits from it, you won’t lose the energy and enthusiasm to do any project.
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